Schinus

schinus

( SKY - nuss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen trees, commonly called Pepper Tree, includes species which need full sun to perform well in the garden. Species have varying water needs. All will produce clusters of aromatic peppercorn-like drupe fruits. These trees can be somewhat messy, dropping both berries and foliage, but make fantastic shade and street trees. Use these trees in arid or Mediterranean climate gardens as a specimen, to attract wildlife to the landscape, or as edible plants in food forests. Take care when planting these trees in your yard, as the foliage can cause dermatitis in allergy-prone individuals and the berries, if ingested, can cause stomach issues in humans and pets.

schinus Species and Varietals

The genus Schinus is a member of the plant family Anacardiaceae and includes 34 species. The trees in this genus are closely related to Pistacia (Pistache, Pistachio), Toxicodendron (Poison Sumac) and Rhus (Sumac). The best growing zones for these trees varies depending on the species cultivated, though is generally USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, and 12-24. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Schinus engleri (Molle Rastrero, Wild Pepper Shrub, Peppertree, Aroeira-do-Campo)
These trees are found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay and are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. These subtropical plants have green flowers and compound leaves, and can be seen as trees or shrubs, reaching about 10 feet tall. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Schinus molle (Schinus mollis, Schinus areira) (California Pepper Tree, American Pepper, Peruvian Peppertree, Escobilla, Molle de Peru, Anacahuita, Pepperina, False Pepper, Peruvian Mastic, Aguaribay, Mulli, Pirul, Peppercorn Tree)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2 and is native to the Andes Mountain Range in Peru. It quickly reaches between 25-40 feet tall. Trunks of older trees become gnarled, knotted and burly, often sprouting new branches and leaves. Branches have drooping branchlets. Leaves are bright green and summertime flowers are yellow-white, followed by rose-colored peppercorns in fall and winter. Great for shading patios and play areas, and can be used as a hedge. Susceptible to root rot and scale. Needs little to no water when established and moderate water as it grows. This species is considered invasive in warm, dry regions around the world include Australia, South Africa, and the United States (California, Hawai'i, Puerto Rico, Arizona, Texas, and Florida).

Schinus polygama (Hardee Peppertree, Chilean Pepper Tree, Huigen, Huingán, Boroco, Borocoi, Molle, Molle Enano, Molle de Río, Molle de Incienso)
Native to Argentina and Chile (and naturalized in California), this species reaches up to 30 feet tall when mature. Leaves are green, and mature bark is fissured and dark brown-grey. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and is considered invasive in California.

Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Pepper Tree, Wilelaiki, Christmasberry Tree, Florida Holly, Rose Pepper, Broadleaved Pepper Tree, Aroeira)
This species of Pepper Tree grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 13-17, 19-24, H1 and H2 and is native to Brazil. Reaches 30 feet tall and wide at a moderate growth rate, and can have a single trunk or be grown as a multi-trunked tree. Leaves are glossy and dark green, and berries are bright red. The fruit on this tree is used to make Pink Peppercorn. Susceptible to Verticillium Wilt, will freely re-seed, and needs moderate to regular water for best performance. This species is aggressively invasive in frost-free warm regions globally, including the United States (Hawai'i, Florida, Texas, California, Alabama, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Louisiana), South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands.

Caring for schinus

Take care when planting these trees in your yard, as the foliage can cause dermatitis in allergy-prone individuals and the berries, if ingested, can cause stomach issues in humans and pets. Before installing these trees, consider installing a root barrier to prevent their suckering tendencies from becoming a problem in the landscape. The root barrier should extend 36 inches deep and 1 or 2 inches above the soil line. Also keep in mind that female trees produce small berry fruits that turn red and drop in summer and fall, which can create a large mess on sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Opt for male trees to avoid this issue. Choose a place in the landscape that receives full sun. These trees will flower and subsequently fruit more profusely in this exposure. They should be receiving a minimum of 8 hours of sun each day. The ideal soil for Rhus plants is light, sandy, loamy and, of course, well-draining. These trees do not like to get their feet wet, so do not plant these trees in areas that flood regularly. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. Young trees should be watered regularly in order for them to develop a strong root system. Water established trees deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. They are considered drought tolerant, and are able to get by on rainwater alone for most of the year.

Sumac trees can get by on applications of organic compost each year in spring to support their flowering and production for the year. If trees seem to be struggling, are planted in particularly poor soil, or are not producing well, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early springtime. Young trees should be pruned up to encourage a strong central leader to develop. Remove any branches that are growing directly across from each other, and leave branches that are spaced evenly around the trunk. Trim away any branches below the lowest main branch if creating a tree form. For mature trees, prune in the late winter or early springtime, removing dead, diseased, and damaged branches. Take out crossing branches and open up the canopy, always cutting back to an outward facing bud. Prune root suckers as they form. Most species of Schinus can be expected to survive in the landscape for decades to centuries, though Schinus terebinthifolia, or the Brazilian Peppertree, typically maxes out at around 30 years. Many will freely re-seed in the landscape,

Harvesting Schinus
While widely used in spice blends and commercial cooking, ingesting raw or fresh berries can cause digestive upset. These trees belong to the Cashew (Anacardiaceae) family, and ingestion of fruits can cause reactions in individuals with tree nut allergies. Schinus trees are cultivated for their edible fruits, which are dried, ground, and used a spice or flavorant. The species most commonly grown for their fruits are Schinus molle or the Peruvian Peppertree, and Schinus terebinthifolia, or Brazilian Pepper Tree. Only female trees will produce berries, and need to have a male pollinator nearby to set a crop. Their fruits are called Pink Peppercorns or Brazilian Pink Peppercorns, and have bright rose-red outer husks and a sweet, fruity, and mildly peppery taste with distinct floral and Citrus notes. Trees are harvested from late fall through winter in the Northern Hemisphere and in summer and early fall (December-February) in the Southern Hemisphere. They are typically harvested by hand in succession, as clusters do not all ripen at the same time.

To harvest, look for fully mature draping clusters of vibrant pink to red berries. Avoid any with green berries or dull, rotting black berries. Using sharp, clean shears, remove the clusters from the tree. Do not attempt to yank or pull the clusters off by hand, as doing so can tear the tree bark and cause damage to branches. Place harvested bunches in a basket, and bring them to a workspace to clean and process them. De-stem all berries by pulling them off the stems. Submerge the berries in a bowl of cool water, and discard any debris that floats to the top. Rinse the berries one last time, and then drain and spread them in a single layer on a clean cloth or screen. Place them in a dry, dark, warm, and well-ventilated space for about a week or until they become slightly shriveled and feel crisp. To perform a tactile check, press or try to crush a berry between your fingers. A properly dried berry should be completely hard, brittle and shatter or crack easily rather than feeling soft, spongy or squishy.

Store dried berries in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. If they soften or end up sticking together, they have absorbed moisture and should be discarded. Because they are richer in oil, they lose their aromatic potency faster than standard Peppercorns. These fruits can be used or stored whole or ground. Whole dried berries will last for 12 to 24 months in storage at peak flavor and color. They are used in brines and pickling, in sauces or scattered over salads, cheeses, or baked goods. Whole Pink Peppercorns can be ground just before use, and are used in rubs, sauces and dressings, in chocolate sauces and baked goods, dusted over fresh strawberries, infused into syrups and fruit sauces, or as a garnish to add a pop of color and floral bite. It is recommended to grind just before use, as ground Pink Peppercorn only stays viable for 3 to 6 months before losing its aroma and flavor. Because these fruits have high oil content, they can clog traditional grinders and are best ground using a mortar and pestle.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Schinus trees can be propagated by cutting or seed, and will also freely re-seed in most landscapes, providing volunteer saplings that can be dug up and replanted elsewhere. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. In order to produce viable seed, a male and female Schinus tree need to be in proximity to one another. To propagate your Schinus, or Pink Peppercorn tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Schinus by Seed

Gather your materials. You will need a container, a pot or tray, potting medium, and a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
To harvest, look for fully mature draping clusters of vibrant pink to red berries. Pick clusters from the tree with sharp, clean shears, and then bring them to a workspace to process. Crush the outer papery skin and wash away the sticky pulp completely. To store them, dry the seeds in a flat layer on a paper towel or screen for 3 to 5 days. Then, place them in an airtight glass jar and store in a cool, dark area or refrigerator. They can remain viable for 2 to 4 years. To sow seeds immediately, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
Get a container prepared. Water the pot filled with soil and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them lightly with soil and water with a spray bottle. Place the sown seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks from sowing.
Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of a fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet. Keep your seedling in an area with bright light and temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.

Propagating Schinus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You will need a sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch softwood or semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the young tree can be hardened off and then planted outdoors. They are best planted out before they reach a 5-gallon container size; they are fast-growing and will take off once in the ground.

Schinus berries are red to pinkish when ripe, and each contain 1 or 2 seeds.

Schinus seeds are spherical, hard and woody.

Problems and Pests

Certain Schinus species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Schinus trees are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: